When Carl joined
the Tampa Bay organization, he became one of six potential college quarterbacks
in the minor-league system. The others were Kenny Kelly (Miami), Doug
Johnson (Florida), Jason Standridge (Auburn), Marquis Roberts (Fresno
State) and Doug Waechter (South Florida).

During Carl’s
stint on Team USA in 2001, he became friends with Reds outfielder Austin
Kearns.

Carl blamed his
so-so 2001 season on not working out hard enough in the off-season.
He has vowed never to make that mistake again.

Carl’s first
pro at bat was an infield chopper that he beat out by a full stride.
From that day on, he has always batted leadoff.

Carl led AL rookies
in triples in 2002, despite playing only half a season. He was leading
all minor leaguers in triples when he was called up.

In 2003, Carl’s
55 stolen bases made him the first Ray to lead the league in an
offensive category.

In 2008, Carl became only the eighth player to get 1000 hits and 250 steals before his 27th birthday.

In 2008, Carl homered in his second World Series at-bat.

Carl’s seventh-inning single in Game 1 of the 2008 ALCS broke up a no-hitter by Daisuke Matsuzaka.

In a 2009 game against the Red Sox, Carl tied a modern record by stealing six bases. He joined Hall of Famer Eddie Collins and two other players in this elite club.

Carl was second in the AL to Jacoby Ellsbury with 60 stolen bases in 2009.

In 2010, Carl became the first position player to win the All-Star MVP without driving in a run since Willie Mays in 1968.

Carl was the fourth-youngest
player in history to win a stolen base title. Only Ty Cobb, Rickey Henderson
and Tim Raines were younger.

Carl and Cobb are the only players to reach 400 steals and 100 triples before their 30th birthdays.

Carl and Rogers Hornsby are the only players in history to increase their home runs and batting average in each of their first five seasons.

Carl is the only player since Arky Vaughn to reach 70 triples before age 26.

Upon Carl’s
return to Houston for the 2004 All-Star Game, he was honored at City
Hall by Mayor Bill White.

Carl moved his
home from Houston to Phoenix in 2004 so he could workout more frequently
with trainer Mark Verstegen, whose other clients include Curt Schilling
and Nomar Garciaparra.

Carl is only they
8th American Leaguer to club a walk-off homer on Opening Day.

Carl is just the eighth player in history to amass 200 steals before his 25th birthday.

Carl has said is goal is to become the #1 Fantasy Baseball player.

Carl no longer
uses weights in his off-season training. He prefers elastic bands so
as not to bulk up. If he were still playing football, he estimates his
weight would be over 230 pounds.

Carl is a graduate of Houston’s RBI program.

Carl does not wear a protective cup. This decision came back to haunt him when he was struck in the groin area by a pickoff throw in a 2010 game. He had to be treated in a hospital.